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Real Estate News Recoleta: An apartment for sale in an emblematic building - La Nación Propiedades

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Recoleta: An apartment for sale in an emblematic building - La Nación Propiedades

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November 10, 2023

An apartment for sale in an emblematic building with a glass dome where Úrsula Corberó filmed​


The collaboration of neighbors and restoration work resurrect the beauty of an iconic Art Nouveau building in Recoleta

By Candelaria Reinoso Taccone

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On Las Heras Avenue, this glass dome stands out among the other Buenos Aires buildings in its surroundings.

Those who have walked with the curious gaze of a tourist along Las Heras Avenue , located in the heart of the Recoleta neighborhood, recognized for its elegant French-inspired architecture, have surely crossed paths with an imposing building that marks the corner where the avenue merges with Ayacucho street .

At the top of this construction, which pays tribute to the Catalan Art Nouveau style , stands a majestic glass dome that contrasts impressively with the more modern buildings that surround it. However, the surprising state in which this architectural piece is found is not the result of good luck but rather the effort and collaboration of the building's neighbors.

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Located on Las Heras Avenue at 1914, this building has a dome that crowns its corner.

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The union between the neighbors allowed the structural quality of the building to be preserved.

Built between 1911 and 1913 as a rental property for Enrique Badaracco (about whom little is known), by the architecture studio Vinent, Maupas y Jauregui, the building exudes a unique charm. Although today this six-story building could evoke the picturesque streets of Barcelona , paradoxically it did not always exhibit its splendor. As time went by, its structure was affected by deterioration, and its demolition was even contemplated .

The owner of one of the apartments, Marina Marcovecchio, a resident since 1995, recounts this journey through time: “We are a consortium made up of a few owners, which makes us more than just neighbors; We are almost like a group of friends , thus facilitating agreements between us,” comments the owner of one of the apartments, highlighting the close relationship between the residents that allowed the structural quality of the building to be preserved .

In 2011, after years of patching the building, the unanimous decision to undertake a complete restoration marked a milestone . “We began the work with the commitment to pay extraordinary fees, and the unity of the consortium was essential for each one to fulfill their part,” Marcovecchio recalls with enthusiasm. The restoration focused on the façade and, in addition, careful attention was carried out on the dome , which showed significant deterioration. For this job, a specialist was hired to carry out the delicate task of replacing glass with glass, applying putty and carrying out repairs at elevated heights.

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This construction was carried out at the request of Enrique Badaracco between the years 1911 and 1913.

A nursery and a garden on the terrace​

The pandemic also prompted a second phase of renovation on the terrace, where the dome and the old storage rooms are located, once the rooms of the owners' private chauffeurs . In addition to installing a barbecue and a vegetable garden, they transformed the terrace into an authentic garden suspended between the concrete ceilings , creating an incomparable oasis. Marga Fabbri, architect and creator of Mirar Miradores , a project dedicated to the rescue of architectural heritage, was amazed when exploring the place: “There is nothing that compares to this nursery in the heights ,” she comments with admiration.

Fabbri met Mariana thanks to the recommendation of another of the owners, who suggested that the architect explore the terrace as an ideal space for her meetings. The focus of her venture, “ Mirar Miradores: Dibujar Entre Cúpulas ” is a project that visits, documents and paints emblematic buildings, presenting a restored image of these places. The project focuses on organizing visits to buildings with significant heritage value , with the aim of encouraging appreciation and valuation of these architectural masterpieces. Highlighting their commitment, 50% of the commissions generated goes towards the ongoing maintenance of the building .


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The neighbors bought a table that currently turns the dome into a meeting space where they enjoy barbecues and shared moments.

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The owners have been improving the terrace and adding decorations, such as silver and flowers that now embellish the entire surface, as well as installing flagstones on the floor.

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The terrace, located on the sixth floor, encompasses the dome, a grill, a garden and the storage rooms that in the past functioned as rooms for the drivers.

The dome became a SUM​

Shortly after the specialist's visit, the architectural beauty attracted the attention of the film industry , allowing the filming of scenes for “ Matar al Jockey ”, the film directed by Luis Ortega, with the participation of the Spanish actress Úrsula Corberó, at the entrance of the building. Marcovecchio remembers: “ Úrsula showed up and was filming for five hours for a 10-second scene, poor thing! ”, he humorously reveals a peculiar anecdote.

Although the decorative details of this construction, especially the modernist elements in iron and glass railings and eaves, attract the gaze of passersby on the avenue, what unquestionably steals the spotlight is its spectacular metal structure dome , carefully restored with polychrome glass.

Sometimes unknown in its versatility, this piece transcends its basic function as a ceiling or cover, becoming an ornamental element . “It is no coincidence that it is located in the corner of the building, right above the apartment that belonged to the original owner, it has a whole symbolism ,” explains Fabbri and points out that, beyond their architectural purpose, the domes aspire to rise towards something more. . “Originally, glass windows were reserved exclusively for churches and palaces , as they were a luxury inaccessible to ordinary people,” says the architect.

Today, this particular dome has evolved to become a small meeting space . It functions as a versatile area where neighbors can enjoy themselves to their liking and even organize lunches.
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Catalan modernism is characterized by including decorative elements such as arches, balconies and windows with sinuous contours.

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There are details and craftsmanship even in the moldings and nooks.


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The railings, bars and other ironwork elements have an artistic and detailed design with floral or geometric shapes.


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Sculptures and decorative reliefs are common on modernist facades, often representing natural motifs, mythological figures or cultural symbols.

A triumphant entry​

But that is not the only uniqueness that makes this building exceptional. For example, the impressive corner entrance , which at first glance might seem like the main entrance, actually leads exclusively to the ground floor , with no connection or shared spaces with the rest of the semi-flat apartments, which are accessed from Las Heras 1914. This particular arrangement is explained by the fact that Badaracco, the owner of the building, resided in said apartment. Today, it is occupied by a medical office and was subdivided into two.

Another detail that underlines the importance that the owner wanted to give it is the location of the two commercial premises on the ground floor, which can be reached after climbing a short flight of stairs. This arrangement ensures that the ground floor is a little higher , which in turn maintains the privacy of the residents, since the eyes of passersby cannot peer into the interior of the homes.

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Catalan modernism was often associated with Art Nouveau, and chandeliers and lamps could feature designs influenced by this movement, with organic lines, elegant curves and stylized elements.

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The main entrance to the building, slightly smaller than the corner entrance, which formerly led to the owner's apartment, served as a visual indication of social status.


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Each level features the original mosaics that adorn the floors, a typical feature of Catalan modernism.

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The main staircase has small windows decorated with original stained glass.

The building's actual entrance, located above Las Heras, is only slightly smaller than the corner one. If you enter from this side, you enter a lobby that has a marble staircase that leads to an old elevator . However, if you climb the spiral stairs, you can see the small windows decorated with original stained glass that adorn each floor , as well as the mosaics that decorate the hallways, which have been preserved in their original state, thus maintaining their authenticity. charm.

The fabulous apartment for sale​

In the building there are 13 apartments: three on the ground floor that are offices and 10 semi-flats. Marcovecchio lives right on the corner, in an apartment with high ceilings and wooden floors , where the influence of the Catalan modernist style is felt in every corner. This is revealed by the fluid distribution of the rooms , connected so that the hallway (decorated with mosaics) is minimal, facilitating movement between them.

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Since moving in in 1995, the owner has carried out a complete restoration of the apartment, preserving its elegant classic style.

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The original limestone runs along the entire hallway of the apartment.

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The apartment is distributed in three bedrooms and a desk, accompanied by a full bathroom.


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The living room and dining room are combined into a harmonious space, extending towards a continuous balcony that adds luminosity.

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It has 140 total meters covered.

The pitch pine and limestone floors contribute to the unique atmosphere of the place. Inside, the living room and dining room come together in a harmonious space, extending towards a continuous balcony that adds luminosity . The apartment is distributed in three bedrooms and a desk , accompanied by a full bathroom and a toilet for greater comfort. The kitchen, spacious and functional, is complemented by a small service room that has its own bathroom. In total, the house covers 140 covered square meters , added to the balconies that provide views of the avenue.

Fortunately, those who wish to become residents of this iconic building steeped in history have the unique opportunity to do so. On the corner of the fifth floor, an apartment with the same characteristics as Marcovecchio's is available for sale, valued at US$285,000.

In the middle of Las Heras Avenue, this building is not only a treasure in a city as rich in architecture as Buenos Aires, but also the example of a united community. More than a restoration, it is the testimony of how the neighbors became guardians of a legacy , also counting on the collaboration of those willing to help from outside. In every corner, in every detail, there is proof that true beauty is not only found in the structure, but in the history of those who care for it.

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